Business Details
29 Years
experience
Engaging Youth Through Arts & Culture
Since 1997, Treehouse Shakers has been dedicated to creating original dance-plays and arts education programs that foster community connections through innovative performances and workshops. Our mission centers on engaging multi-generational audiences, with a particular focus on youth programming from infants to teens. We pioneered the first U.S. dance-play tour for babies in 2012 and remain one of the few companies specializing in early childhood arts experiences. Our work combines storytelling, dance, music, and theater to challenge young audiences' thinking while setting high artistic standards.Through national tours and partnerships with schools and nonprofits, we provide thousands of free and low-cost tickets annually, prioritizing accessibility for underserved communities. Our staff development programs train educators in integrating arts into classroom learning, and our virtual offerings expand access to remote and homeschooling environments. With 29 seasons of performances and 20 original works, we continue to innovate while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence.
Services
Dance-Plays for Youth
Arts Education Workshops
School Residencies
Virtual Theater Programs
Relaxed Performances
Staff Development Training
LGBTQIA+ Programming
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have 29 years of experience creating original works for youth audiences
- We pioneered the first U.S. dance-play tour for babies in 2012
- Our programs serve children from 6 months to teens with age-specific content
- We provide thousands of free/low-cost tickets annually to underserved communities
- Our teaching artists combine dance, storytelling, and theater in classroom residencies
Services
Dance-Plays for Youth
Original dance-theater productions tailored to specific age groups from infants to teens. Our works combine storytelling, movement, and music to engage young audiences. Each 40-50 minute performance uses interactive elements and sensory-friendly design to create memorable arts experiences for early childhood development.
Arts Education Workshops
In-school residencies teaching storytelling, dance, and creative drama through arts integration. Programs adapt to classroom needs with flexible durations from single sessions to year-long curricula. Our teaching artists provide hands-on learning experiences that align with educational standards while fostering creativity and self-expression.
Virtual Theater Programs
Digital access to award-winning productions and educational content for remote learning. Packages include live-streamed performances, pre-recorded shows, and interactive virtual classrooms. Designed for homeschooling families, after-school programs, and schools seeking supplemental arts education resources with professional teaching artists.
Relaxed Performances
Adapted shows accommodating sensory needs and neurodiverse audiences. Modifications include adjusted lighting/sound levels, quiet areas, and flexible audience interaction. Specifically designed for children with disabilities while remaining welcoming to all families seeking inclusive performing arts experiences in a supportive environment.
Staff Development Training
Professional development programs for educators on integrating arts into classroom instruction. Training covers creative drama, dance, and storytelling techniques applicable across subjects. Includes comprehensive materials and practical tools to enhance student engagement through multi-sensory learning approaches aligned with arts education standards.
People
Mara McEwin
Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Co-founder and artistic visionary with 29 years of experience creating award-winning productions for young audiences. Leads creative development of all original works and educational programming. Previously performed with renowned dance companies before establishing Treehouse Shakers' unique early childhood theater model.
Emily Bunning
Artistic Coordinator & Co-Founder
Co-founder and choreographer with expertise in dance-theater integration for youth audiences. Develops curriculum for arts education programs and leads staff training initiatives. Collaborates on creating age-appropriate movement-based storytelling techniques that define the company's signature style.
Geri Pell
President
Seasoned arts administrator and private wealth advisor guiding organizational strategy. Brings financial expertise to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining artistic integrity. Previously served as board member before assuming leadership role in expanding community outreach programs.
Christopher Kim
Co-Treasurer
Financial leader with J.P. Morgan providing strategic fiscal oversight. Manages budgeting and fundraising initiatives to support free community programs. Applies corporate finance experience to ensure organizational stability while expanding access to underserved populations.
Tadej Brdnik
Artist Advisory Board
Former principal dancer with Martha Graham Company advising on artistic programming. Brings classical dance expertise to enhance production quality. Collaborates on developing performance standards and mentoring emerging artists within the company's educational initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do your performances cater to?
We offer productions for children aged 6 months to teens, with specific shows designed for 6-18 months, 18-24 months, 3-6 years, 4-10 years, 8+ years, and teens.
Are your programs accessible for children with disabilities?
Yes, we offer Relaxed Performances with sensory accommodations and partner with organizations to ensure accessibility for children with special needs and their families.
Do you offer virtual programming options?
Yes, our Virtual Theater and Classroom programs provide digital access to performances and arts education for remote learning environments and homeschooling families.
What educational benefits do your workshops provide?
Our workshops integrate arts into core curriculum through storytelling, dance, and creative drama, enhancing learning through multi-sensory engagement aligned with educational standards.
